2021 Chevrolet Silverado Arrives With Advanced Tailgate Tech

Sep. 21, 2020 11:20 AM ET by Martin Bigg Trucks / 4 Comments

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado is more capable than ever before.

Competition in the pickup truck market is fierce, which is why trucks from the big three Detroit automakers are constantly being updated with new tech. Just a few months after the all-new 2021 Ford F-150 debuted, the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado has arrived with a comprehensive list of mechanical and technological upgrades.

The most significant update is the availability of GM's innovative Multi-Flex Tailgate, also known as the MultiPro tailgate for the GMC Sierra. With a weight capacity of 375 pounds, the Silverado's Multi-Flex Tailgate offers six unique functions, allowing for easier access to bed cargo, enhanced loading solutions, or for it to be used as a standing workstation. Different configurations are activated using a key fob or two tailgate-mounted buttons.

Combined with the Silverado Durabed, which features LED lighting, a 120-volt outlet and 12 fixed tie-downs, Chevrolet claims the Multi-Flex makes the 2021 Silverado "the most functional and capable Silverado ever." All Silverado 1500 will be available with the Multi-Flex Tailgate in early 2021.

Compared to the 2020 model, certain 2021 Silverado models also boast improved trailering capability. When equipped with the 2.7-liter turbo gasoline engine, the two-wheel-drive Crew Cab Short Box's towing capacity rating increases by 2,500 pounds to a maximum of 9,300 pounds in two-wheel drive. A newly available Regular Cab Long Box model also increases the tow rating to 9,600 pounds and maximum payload to 2,280 pounds in 2WD.

Opting for the more efficient 3.0-liter Duramax turbo-diesel version, which offers an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 33 mpg highway, adds an additional 1,900 pounds of trailering capacity to almost every configuration and provides a maximum capacity of 9,500 pounds to 2WD models. Turbo-diesel models also get a $1,500 price cut for 2021.

Like the 2021 GMC Sierra, the 2021 Silverado also features new trailer tech, including a Trailer Length Indicator, which displays a red overlay twice the length of the trailer on the center console screen to help show when other vehicles are present, a Jack-Knife Alert alerts the driver if it detects a potential jack-knife situation, and a Cargo Bed View enhancement to help align and hook up a gooseneck or fifth-wheel trailer.

In addition, Chevrolet has added new standard tech for 2021 Silverado trims. Custom and Custom Trail Boss trims now come with a Custom Convenience Package and Infotainment Package as standard , which include EZ Lift power lock and release tailgate, bed LED cargo area lighting, remote start, available SiriusXM radio, available OnStar5 and more.

Work Truck, Custom and Custom Trail Boss now offer a 40/20/40 split-bench front seat and a new Safety Confidence Package adding Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking, and Front Pedestrian Braking assists, along with steering wheel audio controls and a 4.2-inch driver information center. Custom Trail Boss and LT Trail Boss trims are now available with 20-inch black wheels wrapped in Goodyear Territory MT Tires, while the LT and RST now come equipped with the Convenience Package, Trailering Package and an auto-locking rear differential.

New standard tech for the LTZ trim includes the LTZ Convenience Package, Safety Package and 20-inch polished wheels. Wireless phone projection through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability is now standard for the LTZ and High Country and available on LT, LT Trail Boss and RST trims, while High Country models with 22-inch wheels now feature adaptive ride control for improved ride comfort.

For 2021, three new exterior colors are available for the Silverado at an extra charge: Mosaic Black Metallic, Oxford Brown Metallic, and Cherry Red Tintcoat.

Production of the 2021 Silverado 1500 will start this month before arriving in showrooms this fall.